By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
IN A heartless burglary, a large box of presents donated to the Cranbourne Salvation Army for families in need has been stolen just weeks out from Christmas Day.
The donated stocking fillers had been collected through the Kmart Wishing Tree at Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre and were waiting to be wrapped at the Cranbourne Salvos offices when they were stolen.
Cranbourne Salvation Army Major Robert Evans said he was “disappointed more than anything” at the heartless break-in.
“It’s not necessary to break in to our offices, all people need to do is ask us and were ready and happy to assist them, it’s unnecessary to go to that length,” Maj Evans said.
The offices on New Holland Drive, Cranbourne East, were broken into between 9.30pm on Monday 7 December and 7am on Tuesday 8 December.
A timber framed window was smashed to gain access to the offices and Detective Senior Sergeant Rodney Maroney from the Narre Warren police station said a set of keys was also stolen.
“The box of gifts and keys to the Salvos bus was stolen but, luckily, the bus wasn’t on the premises,” Det Sen Sgt Maroney said.
“No CCTV footage was captured and the offenders only entered the office.”
Maj Evans said the offenders “up ended” one box into another larger box of presents and dragged it out.
“We are very lucky it could have ended up a lot worse,” he said.
The presents have this week been distributed to needy Casey families in the lead-up to Christmas Day.
And Maj Evans said the Salvos are grateful for the generous donations made by a local resident who heard of the break-in.
“Thanks to the generosity of that person who donated toys, it feels like we have made most of the stolen gifts up,” Maj Evans said.
Anyone with information on the burglary is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
